Watson Coleman Calls On Menendez To 'Make Right Decision' After Indictment

PRINCETON, NJ — Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12) called on Sen. Bob Menendez to "make the right decision" in the wake of the senator's indictment and refusal to step down.

Menendez was indicted on bribery charges on Friday. Federal officials accused Menendez, his wife, and three New Jersey businessmen of a bribery scheme that enriched the government of Egypt, and said Menendez provided sensitive information to foreign officials.

"The charges against Senator Menendez are very concerning and deserve careful consideration when they are brought to court. Under our legal system, Senator Menendez maintains the presumption of innocence until proven guilty," Watson Coleman said in a statement.

"I pray for the Senator and hope he will make the right decision, one that is in the best interests of the State and all New Jerseyans."

Hours after the indictment, NJ Gov. Phil Murphy and other Democrats called on Menendez to step down.

"The allegations in the indictment against Senator Menendez and four other defendants are deeply disturbing. These are serious charges that implicate national security and the integrity of our criminal justice system. Under our legal system, Senator Menendez and the other defendants have not been found guilty and will have the ability to present evidence disputing these charges, and we must respect the process," Murphy said in a public statement.

"However, the alleged facts are so serious that they compromise the ability of Senator Menendez to effectively represent the people of our state. Therefore, I am calling for his immediate resignation."

In a statement, Menendez said he is the target of an "active smear campaign" and claims he and his wife have been falsely accused.

Federal agents executed search warrants at the Menendezes' home in June 2022 and also searched their safety deposit box. Agents found more than $480,000 in cash, "much of it stuffed into envelopes and hidden in clothing, closets, and a safe" according to the indictment.

Some of the money was inside jackets with Menendez's name on them, the indictment said.

More: Gold Bars For Govt. Documents: Feds Say NJ Sen. Menendez Aided Egypt